Inspection device and inspection method

Abstract

To provide an inspection device improving inspection accuracy by facilitating inspection work and suppressing variation in inspection results for every worker.SOLUTION: An inspection device comprises: a base including a placement surface on which an inspection object is placed; a gate part including a gate hole through which the inspection object moved along the placement surface can pass along the placement surface, and inspecting a dimension of the inspection object from the placement surface based on whether or not the inspection object can pass through the gate hole; and a storage part for storing inspection objects having passed through the gate hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection device and an inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices such as electronic equipment have consumable parts whose dimensions gradually become smaller with use, and there is an inspection process for inspecting the dimensions of the consumable parts removed from the device. In this type of inspection process, measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers are used to check whether the dimensions of the consumable parts are smaller than a predetermined dimension. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-109610 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the inspection work using the measuring equipment described above, when handling small consumable parts with dimensions of only a few mm and inspecting the dimensions of the parts with an accuracy of 0.1 mm, the inspection work requires skill. For example, when using digital calipers, the inspection results are likely to vary depending on the way the consumable parts are clamped, and even for workers who are skilled in the inspection work, there is a problem that the inspection results tend to vary from worker to worker. In addition, it is difficult for workers with limited freedom of movement in their hands to handle small consumable parts, making it difficult to perform the inspection work properly.

[0005] The disclosed technology has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an inspection device and an inspection method that can easily perform inspection work, reduce variation in inspection results from one operator to another, and improve inspection accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the inspection device disclosed in the present application comprises a base having a mounting surface on which an object to be inspected is placed, a gate section having a gate hole through which the object to be inspected moved along the mounting surface can pass along the mounting surface, for inspecting the dimensions of the object to be inspected from the mounting surface based on whether the object to be inspected can pass through the gate hole, and a storage section in which the object to be inspected that has passed through the gate hole is stored. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the inspection device disclosed in the present application, the inspection work can be easily performed, and the variation in the inspection results between operators can be reduced, thereby improving the inspection accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an inspection object to be inspected by the inspection device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining an inspection object in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view that illustrates the inspection device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view that illustrates the inspection device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an inclined surface in the inspection device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the inspection method of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view that illustrates a main part of the inspection device of the second embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view for explaining a main part of the inspection device of the third embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective view for explaining a main part of the inspection device of the third embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing an inspection device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing the inspection device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram for explaining the inspection device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram for explaining the inspection device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram for explaining the inspection device of the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the inspection apparatus and inspection method disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the inspection apparatus and inspection method disclosed in the present application are not limited to the following embodiments. EXAMPLES

[0010] (Inspection equipment) Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an inspection device of Example 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the inspection device 1 of Example 1 includes a base 11 having a mounting surface 11a on which an inspection object 7 is placed, a gate unit 12 having a gate hole 14 for inspecting a dimension H (see Fig. 2) of the inspection object 7, and a storage unit 15 for storing the inspection object 7 that has passed through the gate hole 14. The gate hole 14 of the gate unit 12 is formed so that the inspection object 7 moved along the mounting surface 11a can pass along the mounting surface 11a, and the dimension H of the inspection object 7 from the mounting surface 11a is inspected depending on whether the inspection object 7 can pass through the gate hole 14.

[0011] Inspecting the dimension H of the inspection object 7 here means determining whether the dimension H is larger or smaller than a predetermined dimension limited by the gate hole 14 based on whether the inspection object 7 can pass through the gate hole 14.

[0012] (Inspection subject) Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an inspection object 7 inspected by the inspection device 1 of the embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the inspection object 7 in the embodiment 1.

[0013] 2, the cylindrical body 7A as the inspection target 7 in this embodiment is a consumable part whose dimension H gradually decreases with use in an automated teller machine as an example of a device. In other words, the cylindrical body 7A is a consumable part whose dimension H gradually decreases with use in an automated teller machine as it wears.

[0014] The cylindrical body 7A is formed into a cylindrical shape from, for example, a resin material or a metal material. The dimension H of the cylindrical body 7A in the axial direction along the central axis of the central hole 8, in other words the dimension H between both end faces 9 in the axial direction, is inspected by the gate hole 14 of the gate portion 12.

[0015] 3, the cylindrical body 7A is a single component constituting a roller mechanism 20 for turning over the pages of a passbook when the passbook is handled in an automated teller machine. The roller mechanism 20 includes turn-over rollers 21, 22, a roller shaft 23 supporting the turn-over rollers 21, 22, and a guide member 24 supporting the end of the roller shaft 23, with the cylindrical body 7A disposed between the turn-over roller 21 and the guide member 24. The cylindrical body 7A functions as a spacer between the turn-over roller 21 and the guide member 24 in the axial direction of the roller shaft 23.

[0016] In the roller mechanism 20, the cylindrical body 7A is rotatably supported on a roller shaft 23, and slides against the end face of the guide member 24 by rotating together with the turn-over roller 21. For this reason, the end face 9 of the cylindrical body 7A on the guide member 24 side in the axial direction gradually wears with the rotation of the turn-over roller 21. Due to this wear, the axial dimension H of the cylindrical body 7A gradually decreases, and for example, after being used in an automated teller machine for a certain period of time, the cylindrical body 7A is removed from the automated teller machine and the dimension H is inspected.

[0017] Therefore, the cylindrical body 7A (hereinafter also referred to as the inspection object 7) that does not pass through the gate hole 14 in the inspection device 1 is judged to have an axial dimension H larger than a predetermined dimension and less wear, and is reused as a part of the roller mechanism 20. As an example, the cylindrical body 7A is formed to have an outer diameter of about 10 [mm] and an axial dimension H of about 4 [mm] to 5 [mm], and is inspected to see whether the dimension H is equal to or smaller than the predetermined dimension with an accuracy of 0.1 [mm]. In the inspection work using the inspection device 1, for example, a large number of inspection objects 7, about tens to hundreds of inspection objects 7, are inspected one by one in succession.

[0018] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned cylindrical body 7A is applied as the inspection object 7, but there is no limitation on the inspection object 7 and the device in which the inspection object 7 is used. For example, the inspection object 7 may be a consumable part whose external dimensions change with use in various devices such as a printer, and the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment may be used.

[0019] (Details of the inspection device) Fig. 4 is a perspective view typically showing the inspection device 1 of Example 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view typically showing the inspection device 1 of Example 1. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining an inclined surface in the inspection device 1 of Example 1.

[0020] 1, 4 and 5, a mounting surface 11a on which the inspection object 7 is placed is formed on the outer periphery of the base 11 of the inspection device 1. The mounting surface 11a is formed horizontally, for example, but may be inclined slightly downward toward the gate hole 14, so that the inspection object 7 can be easily moved along the mounting surface 11a to the gate hole 14. When the mounting surface 11a is inclined, the plane on which the opening of the gate hole 14 is located is inclined so as to be perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a in accordance with the inclination of the mounting surface 11a.

[0021] The gate section 12 is provided on the mounting surface 11a of the base 11, and has a gate member 13 in which a gate hole 14 is formed. The gate hole 14 is a rectangular opening through which the inspection object 7 passes, and the lower end of the opening is formed by the mounting surface 11a. Furthermore, the gate hole 14 is formed so as to be located on a plane perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a.

[0022] 1, the gate hole 14 is formed such that a first opening dimension X1 in a direction A perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a is a predetermined dimension for determining the dimension H of the inspection object 7, and a second opening dimension X2 in a direction B parallel to the mounting surface 11a is formed to be larger than the dimension of the inspection object 7 (the outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical body 7A). Therefore, by placing the axial end face 9 of the central hole 8 of the cylindrical body 7A as the inspection object 7 on the mounting surface 11a, the axial dimension H of the cylindrical body 7A with the mounting surface 11a as the reference plane is inspected by the gate section 12.

[0023] In this way, the dimension H can be easily inspected by simply passing the inspection object 7 moved along the mounting surface 11a through the gate hole 14, so that even workers with disabilities, particularly those who have difficulty moving their hands, can easily and appropriately perform the inspection work.

[0024] The gate member 13 has a fixed portion 13a fixed to the placement surface 11a, and a wall portion 13b forming a part of a peripheral wall 16 (described later) of the storage portion 15. The fixed portion 13a of the gate member 13 has a pair of guide walls 13c that guide the inspection object 7 moved along the placement surface 11a to the gate hole 14.

[0025] The pair of guide walls 13c face each other, and are formed along the mounting surface 11a so as to be continuous with the opening edge of the gate hole 14. The distance between the pair of opposing guide walls 13c is formed to be slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the cylindrical body 7A serving as the inspection object 7. Since the gate member 13 has the guide walls 13c, the pair of guide walls 13c enable the inspection object 7 to be moved smoothly along the mounting surface 11a.

[0026] Furthermore, even a worker with disabilities, particularly those who have difficulty moving their hands, can easily and reliably move the inspection object 7 along the guide walls 13c toward the gate hole 14, and placing the inspection object 7 between the pair of guide walls 13c prevents the inspection object 7 from accidentally falling off the placement surface 11a. As a result, the inspection device 1 can improve the efficiency of the inspection work regardless of the worker's level of proficiency in the inspection work.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 1, 5 and 6, the storage section 15 is formed on the base 11, and has a peripheral wall 16 surrounding the outer periphery of the storage section 15, and an inclined surface 17 along which the test object 7 that has passed through the gate hole 14 rolls. The peripheral wall 16 of the storage section 15 is formed by a plurality of wall members 16a provided along the outer periphery of the inclined surface 17, and a wall portion 13b of the gate member 13. The inclined surface 17 is formed on the base 11, continuing from the placement surface 11a. The inclined surface 17 is exposed to the outside of the inspection device 1, and the test object 7 stored in the storage section 15 can be visually confirmed.

[0028] The inclined surface 17 has a first inclination direction T1 along the inclined surface 17 and a second inclination direction T2 along the inclined surface 17 that is perpendicular to the first inclination direction T1, both of which are inclined with respect to the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the placement surface 11a. Therefore, the inspection object 7 that has passed through the gate hole 14 rolls on the inclined surface 17 along the first inclination direction T1 and also along the second inclination direction T2, and is therefore easily collected at one location on the inclined surface 17 in the storage section 15.

[0029] This makes it easy to dispose of the many inspection objects 7 stored in the storage unit 15. Also, the worker can visually feel a sense of accomplishment in the inspection work by seeing the inspection objects 7 collected in one place in the storage unit 15. Furthermore, for workers with intellectual disabilities in particular, the repetitive inspection work can be enhanced by the visual stimulation of the inspection objects 7 rolling down the inclined surface 17, thereby increasing the worker's motivation and concentration in the inspection work and reducing the worker's stress.

[0030] Furthermore, when the metallic inspection object 7 rolls along the inclined surface 17 of the metallic base 11, a sound is generated when the inspection object 7 comes into contact with the inclined surface 17 or when the inspection objects 7 come into contact with each other, providing the worker with an auditory stimulus in addition to the visual stimulus of the inspection object 7 rolling down the inclined surface 17. Increasing the stimuli during the inspection work in this way increases the worker's motivation and concentration for the inspection work, and also increases the effect of reducing the worker's stress, thereby improving the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0031] 5, the inclined surface 17 of the storage unit 15 may have a recess 18 formed at a position where the lower end of the first inclined direction T1 and the lower end of the second inclined direction T2 join together, in which the test objects 7 that have rolled down the inclined surface 17 are accumulated. This allows the test objects 7 collected in one place by the inclined surface 17 to be accumulated in the recess 18, making it easy to grasp the number of test objects 7 to be discarded. In addition, for example, when the inspection device 1 in which the test objects 7 are stored in the storage unit 15 is carried, the test objects 7 can be prevented from moving about in the storage unit 15 or falling out of the storage unit 15.

[0032] (Testing method) A description will now be given of an inspection method using the inspection device 1 configured as above. Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the inspection method of the first embodiment.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the inspection method of Example 1 is an inspection method for inspecting an object to be inspected 7 using an inspection device 1, and includes the steps of placing the object to be inspected 7 on the mounting surface 11a of a base 11 (step S1), moving the object to be inspected 7 along the mounting surface 11a to the gate hole 14 of the gate section 12 (step S2), passing the object to be inspected 7 along the mounting surface 11a relative to the gate hole 14 (step S3), inspecting the dimension H of the object to be inspected 7 from the mounting surface 11a depending on whether or not the object to be inspected can pass (step S4), and storing the object to be inspected 7 that has passed through the gate hole 14 in the storage section 15 (step S5).

[0034] In the inspection method of the embodiment, an operator places the inspection object 7 on the placement surface 11a of the base 11 (step S1), and moves the inspection object 7 along the placement surface 11a to the gate hole 14 of the gate unit 12 (step S2). Next, the operator passes the inspection object 7, which has been moved toward the gate hole 14, along the placement surface 11a relative to the gate hole 14 (step S3). The operator determines whether the inspection object 7 has passed through the gate hole 14 (step S4), thereby determining whether the dimension H of the inspection object 7 from the placement surface 11a is equal to or smaller than a predetermined dimension limited by the gate hole 14.

[0035] If the inspection object 7 passes through the gate hole 14 in step S4 (YES), the worker stores the inspection object 7 that passed through the gate hole 14 in the storage section 15 (step S5), and then discards the inspection object 7 stored in the storage section 15 (step S6). If the inspection object 7 does not pass through the gate hole 14 in step S4 (NO), the worker determines that the dimension H of the inspection object 7 from the placement surface 11a is larger than the predetermined dimension limited by the gate hole 14, sends the inspection object 7 to the assembly process, and reuses the inspection object 7 (step S7). In the above-mentioned inspection method, the worker continuously inspects the inspection objects 7 one by one for a large number of inspection objects 7.

[0036] Moreover, according to the inspection method of the first embodiment, the dimension H of the inspection object 7 can be easily and appropriately inspected by placing the inspection object 7 on the placement surface 11a and moving it to the gate hole 14. As a result, the inspection time required for each inspection object 7 can be shortened by about several tens of seconds, regardless of the level of skill in the inspection work.

[0037] (Effects of Example 1) As described above, the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment includes a base 11 having a placement surface 11a on which the inspection object 7 is placed, a gate section 12 for inspecting the dimension H of the inspection object 7 from the placement surface 11a based on whether the inspection object 7 moved along the placement surface 11a passes through a gate hole 14 through which the inspection object 7 can pass along the placement surface 11a, and a storage section 15 for storing the inspection object 7 that has passed through the gate hole 14. This makes it possible to inspect the dimension H by passing the inspection object 7 along the placement surface 11a through the gate hole 14, so that even an inexperienced operator can easily perform the inspection work regardless of the operator's level of skill, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of variation in the inspection results for each operator and improve the inspection accuracy. In addition, even an operator who is particularly disabled in hand movements can easily and appropriately inspect the inspection object 7.

[0038] Furthermore, the inspection device 1 is easy to carry and does not limit the place where the inspection work can be performed. Therefore, it can be easily arranged so that the inspection work can be easily performed according to the individual situation of the worker, particularly the worker with physical disabilities.

[0039] Moreover, the gate section 12 of the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment has a guide wall 13c that guides the inspection object 7 moved along the placement surface 11a to the gate hole 14. This allows the inspection object 7 to be moved smoothly along the placement surface 11a by the guide wall 13c. Furthermore, even for a worker who has a disability, particularly one who has difficulty moving his or her hands, the inspection object 7 can be easily and reliably moved toward the gate hole 14 along the guide wall 13c, and the inspection object 7 can be prevented from accidentally falling off the placement surface 11a by, for example, placing the inspection object 7 between a pair of guide walls 13c. As a result, the inspection device 1 can improve the efficiency of the inspection work regardless of the level of skill in the inspection work.

[0040] Furthermore, the inspection object 7 in the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment is a cylindrical body 7A in which an axial end face 9 of a central hole 8 is placed on a placement surface 11a, and an axial dimension H of the cylindrical body 7A is inspected by the gate unit 12. This makes it possible to easily and appropriately inspect the dimension H of the cylindrical body 7A, thereby improving the inspection accuracy.

[0041] In Example 1, a pair of guide walls 13c are formed on the gate member 13, but this structure is not limited to this, and guide walls may be formed on the mounting surface 11a of the base 11, or a guide wall member (not shown) may be provided on the mounting surface 11a.

[0042] Moreover, the storage section 15 of the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment has an inclined surface 17 along which the inspection objects 7 that have passed through the gate hole 14 roll. This allows the work of disposing of a large number of inspection objects 7 stored in the storage section 15 to be easily performed. In particular, for workers with intellectual disabilities, the visual stimulus of the inspection objects 7 rolling down the inclined surface 17 in the repetitive inspection work can increase the motivation and concentration of the inspection work and reduce the stress of the workers. In addition, when the metal inspection objects 7 roll along the inclined surface 17 of the metal base 11, a sound is generated when the inspection objects 7 come into contact with the inclined surface 17 or when the inspection objects 7 come into contact with each other, and the worker is given an auditory stimulus in addition to the visual stimulus of the inspection objects 7 rolling down the inclined surface 17. In this way, the number of stimuli in the inspection work is increased, which increases the motivation and concentration of the inspection work and increases the effect of reducing the stress of the workers, thereby improving the efficiency of the inspection work.

[0043] Moreover, the inclined surface 17 of the storage unit 15 included in the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment has a first inclination direction T1 along the inclined surface 17 and a second inclination direction T2 along the inclined surface 17 perpendicular to the first inclination direction T1, which are inclined with respect to the up-down direction of the base 11. As a result, the objects 7 to be inspected that have passed through the gate hole 14 roll along the first inclination direction T1 and the second inclination direction T2 of the inclined surface 17, and can be easily collected at one location on the inclined surface 17 in the storage unit 15, making it easier to dispose of a large number of objects 7 to be inspected that are stored in the storage unit 15. Also, the feeling of accomplishment of the inspection work is visually enhanced by the worker seeing the objects 7 to be inspected that are collected at one location in the storage unit 15.

[0044] Moreover, the inclined surface 17 of the storage unit 15 included in the inspection device 1 of the first embodiment has a recess 18 formed at a position where the lower end of the first inclination direction T1 and the lower end of the second inclination direction T2 are connected, in which the test objects 7 that have rolled down the inclined surface 17 are accumulated. As a result, the test objects 7 that have been collected in one place by the inclined surface 17 are accumulated in the recess 18, making it easy to grasp the number of test objects 7 to be discarded. In addition, for example, when the inspection device 1 in which the test objects 7 are stored in the storage unit 15 is carried, the test objects 7 can be prevented from moving about in the storage unit 15 or falling out of the storage unit 15.

[0045] Other embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0046] 8 is a perspective view that shows a schematic view of a main part of an inspection device of Example 2. Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the size of the gate hole 14 is changeable.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the gate section 12 provided in the inspection device 2 of Example 2 has an adjustment mechanism 25 that can adjust a first opening dimension X1 in a direction A perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a at the gate hole 14, and a second opening dimension X2 in a direction B parallel to the mounting surface 11a at the gate hole 14.

[0048] The adjustment mechanism 25 is provided on the wall portion 13b of the gate member 13, and has a first limiting member 26 provided to be movable in a direction A perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a, and a second limiting member 27 provided to be movable in a direction B parallel to the mounting surface 11a.

[0049] An opening 28 is formed in the wall portion 13b of the gate member 13, and a first limiting member 26 and a second limiting member 27 are provided so as to be movable relative to the opening 28 and are supported so as to be held at each moved position. Therefore, the adjustment mechanism 25 can easily change the size (opening amount) of the gate hole 14 by adjusting the positions of the first limiting member 26 and the second limiting member 27 relative to the opening 28. Therefore, in Example 2, the gate hole 14 is formed by the lower end of the first limiting member 26, the left end of the second limiting member 27, and the left end of the opening 28.

[0050] By changing the size of the gate hole 14 in this manner, it becomes possible to inspect multiple types of inspection objects 7 having different outer dimensions such as dimension H, thereby improving the versatility of the inspection device 2. The first opening dimension X1 of the gate hole 14 corresponds to a predetermined dimension for determining the dimension H of the inspection object 7 (cylindrical body 7A). The second opening dimension X2 of the gate hole 14 corresponds to a dimension (outer diameter dimension) of the inspection object 7 (cylindrical body 7A) where no determination is made.

[0051] Moreover, the first limiting member 26 is provided with a positioning scale 29 indicating its position in a direction A perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a. Similarly, the second limiting member 27 is provided with a positioning scale 29 indicating its position in a direction B parallel to the mounting surface 11a. Therefore, the positions of the first limiting member 26 and the second limiting member 27 can be easily adjusted according to the scales 29.

[0052] Furthermore, the gate unit 12 in the inspection device 2 of the second embodiment has a scale 30 around the gate hole 14 as a guide in a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a (the axial direction of the cylindrical body 7A mounted on the mounting surface 11a). The scale 30 is, for example, a scale that serves as a guide for the amount of wear related to the dimension H of the inspection object 7, and makes it possible to check an estimate of the remaining usable period corresponding to the dimension H of the inspection object 7 that does not pass through the gate hole 14. For example, the scale 30 displays the remaining usable period in six-month increments, and when the inspection object 7 that does not pass through the gate hole 14 is reused, it is possible to estimate the time to replace the inspection object 7 based on the remaining usable period.

[0053] (Effects of Example 2) As described above, the inspection device 2 of the second embodiment can inspect a plurality of types of inspection objects 7 having different outer diameters by providing the gate unit 12 with the adjustment mechanism 25. Also, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the inspection work can be easily performed, and the variation in the inspection results from one operator to another can be suppressed, thereby improving the inspection accuracy. EXAMPLES

[0054] 9A and 9B are schematic perspective views for explaining a main part of an inspection device of Example 3. Example 3 differs from Examples 1 and 2 in that a part of gate hole 14 is movable in the direction in which inspection object 7 passes through gate hole 14.

[0055] 9, the gate section 12 in the inspection device 3 of the third embodiment has a limiting member 31 that limits an opening dimension X1 in a direction A perpendicular to the mounting surface 11a of the gate hole 14, and a support mechanism 32 that supports the limiting member 31 movably in a direction C (insertion direction into the gate hole 14) in which the inspection object 7 passes through the gate hole 14. In addition, the gate section 12 in the inspection device 3 has a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring that biases the limiting member 31 moved by the inspection object 7 to return it to its original position where the gate hole 14 is formed.

[0056] An opening 34 is formed in the wall portion 13b of the gate member 13, and a limiting member 31 is provided above the opening 34. The gate hole 14 is formed by the lower end of the limiting member 31 and both left and right ends of the opening 34. Therefore, the limiting member 31 is provided movable toward the storage section 15 side relative to the gate hole 14. The limiting member 31 moved by the inspection object 7 is returned to its original position by the biasing member when the inspection object 7 is released.

[0057] Therefore, when the inspection object 7 moved toward the gate hole 14 hits the opening edge of the gate hole 14, i.e., the limiting member 31, the gate section 12 moves, providing a buffering effect that reduces the force applied to the inspection object 7. This makes it possible to prevent damage to the inspection object 7 that does not pass through the gate hole 14.

[0058] Moreover, the support mechanism 32 is configured to emit a sound when the limiting member 31 moves. Such a support mechanism 32 may include, for example, a mechanism that emits a mechanical sound like the sound of typing on a computer keyboard, or a speaker that emits an electronic sound. By hearing the sound accompanying the movement of the limiting member 31, the worker can easily determine whether the dimension H of the inspection object 7 is larger than the predetermined dimension based on the presence or absence of the sound. In addition, for workers with intellectual disabilities in particular, the addition of an auditory stimulus to the repetitive inspection work can increase the motivation and concentration for the inspection work, and reduce the stress of the worker.

[0059] (Effects of Example 3) As described above, in the gate unit 12 in the inspection device 3 of Example 3, the restricting member 31 that forms the gate hole 14 is provided movably, and thus it is possible to prevent the inspection object 7 from colliding with the opening edge of the gate hole 14, and therefore it is possible to prevent damage to the inspection object 7 that does not pass through the gate hole 14. Furthermore, the gate unit 12 in the inspection device 3 of Example 3 emits a sound when the restricting member 31 moves, and therefore an operator can easily determine that the dimension H of the inspection object 7 is larger than a predetermined dimension based on the presence or absence of the sound. Furthermore, in Example 3, as in Examples 1 and 2, the inspection work can be easily performed, and the occurrence of variation in the inspection results for each operator can be suppressed, thereby improving the inspection accuracy. EXAMPLES

[0060] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing an inspection device of Example 4. Example 4 differs from Examples 1 to 3 in that a discharge outlet for the inspection target 7 is provided on the peripheral wall 16 of the storage section 15.

[0061] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the storage section 15 in the inspection device 4 of Example 4 has an outlet 41 for discharging the inspection object 7 from within the storage section 15, and a shutter member 42 for opening and closing the outlet 41.

[0062] The discharge port 41 is formed in the peripheral wall 16 on the lower end side of the inclined surface 17. The shutter member 42 is provided so as to be slidable in the up and down direction of the peripheral wall 16, and the discharge port 41 can be opened, for example, by manually lifting the shutter member 42.

[0063] In the inspection device 4 of Example 4, the inspection device 4 is carried near the waste container 43, and the discharge outlet 41 is opened, and the inspection objects 7 accumulated in the recess 18 of the inclined surface 17, for example as in Example 1 described above, are discharged all at once into the waste container 43 through the discharge outlet 41.

[0064] (Effects of Example 4) As described above, the storage unit 15 in the inspection device 4 of Example 4 has the discharge port 41 that is opened and closed by the shutter member 42, and thus the inspection object 7 in the storage unit 15 can be easily disposed of. Also in Example 4, similarly to Examples 1 to 3, the inspection work can be easily performed, and the occurrence of variation in the inspection results from one operator to another can be suppressed, thereby improving the inspection accuracy. EXAMPLES

[0065] 11A, 11B, and 11C are schematic diagrams for explaining the inspection device of Example 5. FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing a chute section in which a mounting section of a base 11 is provided. FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the base 11 is mounted on the mounting section. FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the inspection target 7 is discarded from the discharge port 41 of the storage section 15 through the chute section. Example 5 differs from Example 4 in that it is provided with a chute section. In Example 5, similar to Example 4, the storage section 15 has a discharge port 41 and a shutter member 42.

[0066] 11A and 11B, the inspection device 5 of the fifth embodiment includes a chute unit 51 for disposing of the inspection target object 7 discharged from the discharge port 41, and a mounting unit 52 that is provided at the upper end of the chute unit 51 and to which the base 11 is detachably mounted. The inspection device 5 of the fifth embodiment also includes a work desk 53 on which the chute unit 51 and the mounting unit 52 are supported.

[0067] The upper end of the chute unit 51 is connected to the end of the work desk 53 via a connection member 55, and the transport path 51a of the chute unit 51 extends downward. The mounting unit 52 has a mounting surface 52a on which the base 11 is placed, and the mounting surface 52a is connected to the transport path 51a of the chute unit 51. In this way, even when the inspection object 7 rolls down the chute unit 51, it is possible to provide the worker with visual and auditory stimuli according to the length of the transport path 51a.

[0068] 11B and 11C , for example, after an inspection operation is performed with the base 11 attached to the attachment part 52, the shutter member 42 is lifted to open the discharge port 41, and the inspection target object 7 is disposed of in the waste container 43 through the chute part 51. Also, the inspection operation may be performed on a work desk 53, and then the base 11 may be attached to the attachment part 52.

[0069] Below the chute unit 51, a plurality of waste containers 43 are provided into which the test objects 7 are disposed through the chute unit 51. The test objects 7 to be disposed are disposed into each waste container 43 selected according to their material, etc. Each waste container 43 is sorted according to, for example, whether the material of the test objects 7 is metal or non-metal.

[0070] (Effects of Example 5) As described above, the inspection device 5 of the fifth embodiment includes the chute unit 51 provided with the mounting unit 52 to which the base 11 is detachably mounted, and thus the inspection device 5 can easily dispose of the inspection product through the chute unit 51 into the waste container 43. Therefore, even a worker, particularly a person with a disability, can easily perform the inspection and disposal work. Also, in the fifth embodiment, similarly to the first to fourth embodiments, the inspection work can be easily performed, and the variation in the inspection results for each worker can be suppressed, thereby improving the inspection accuracy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1~5 Inspection equipment 7. Inspection subject 7A Cylindrical body 8 center hole 9 End face 11 Foundation 11a Placement surface 12 Gate section 13 Gate material 13c Guide Wall 14 Gate hole 15 Storage section 16 Peripheral wall 17 Slope 18 Recess 25 Adjustment mechanism 30 Scale for reference 31 Restrictive elements 32 Support mechanism 41 Outlet 42 Shutter member 51 Shooter Club 52 Mounting part H Dimension T1 First tilt direction T2 Second tilt direction X1 First opening dimension X2 Second opening dimension

Claims

1. An inspection unit for inspecting the dimensions of an object to be inspected based on whether or not the object can pass through, An inspection apparatus comprising a support section for supporting the object to be inspected after it has passed through the inspection section.

2. The object to be inspected is a cylindrical body, The inspection unit inspects the axial dimension of the central hole of the cylindrical body. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

3. An inspection method for inspecting an object to be inspected using an inspection device, The object to be inspected is passed through the inspection section of the inspection device, and the dimensions of the object to be inspected are checked based on whether or not it passes through. The object to be inspected, having passed through the inspection section, is supported by the support section of the inspection device. A testing method that includes [unclear].

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